Charlottesville - Monticello

Ms. Edwards and I went to Monticello the home of the third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson. It was a rainy day and Ms. Edwards wouldn't let me come out of the backpack. I was able to peak out though when she wasn't looking.

• Monticello was named by Thomas Jefferson. It means "little mountain" in Italian.
• Construction was started on Monticello in 1768.
• Jefferson was the archeticut of his home.
• He was inspired to make changes to his designs through his trips to Europe.
• Jefferson sold his personal library to the Government after the War of 1812. This was how the Library of Congress was started. He then started his library all over again.
• Jefferson kept extensive records about everything that occurred at Monticello and everyone who lived there.
• We were unable to see the second floor becuase of fire code regulations :(
• Thomas Jefferson's bed was in a unique location. It was in the wall. He over his head was a storage area for his clothing that had to be reached by a ladder.
• Thomas Jefferson was interested in many things.
• Jefferson's happiest years occurred while at Monticello.
• Jefferson kept a very busy and structured life at Monticello.
• I think Ms. Edwards could give Thomas Jefferson a run for his money when it comes to the amount of books they own.

Below is one of the flowers that Ms. Edwards took a picture of. Thomas Jefferson had an amazing flower garden and kept amazing records about what was planted and where items were planted.

Ms. Edwards decided to walk to Jefferson's grave and back to her vehicle at the visitors center. Here is the pathway that she walked down to get to Jefferson's grave.

Here is the grave marker for Thomas Jefferson. It says the following: "Here was buried Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of American Independence of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia.

Ms. Edwards purchased a dvd that shows pictures of the inside of the house. Jefferson had some really unique rooms and features in the rooms. He was a man who was very innovative with what was available during the time he lived there.